tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49005467175844409452011-08-05T13:25:46.102-04:00The official blog of the LoonWatch program at Northland College's Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, in Ashland, Wisconsin.LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-25158759164792413432010-01-28T16:08:00.003-05:002010-01-28T16:12:48.644-05:00

LoonWatch has a new blog site! Nothing new will be posted here but it will stay up to allow access to old posts. Check out the new site and let us know what you think. Just go to www.loonwatch.org.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-88870224455513172652010-01-07T15:55:00.002-05:002010-01-07T16:02:10.305-05:00

Climate change can have severe effects on breeding, migrating, and wintering birds in Wisconsin as well as around the world. Take a look at the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative issues paper on birds and climate change.Check out other WBCI issues papers.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-19940187312472471872009-12-11T10:58:00.004-05:002009-12-11T11:18:26.318-05:00

The largest of loons, it nests in a relatively small part of the arctic. It has basically the same breeding and wintering coloring as the Common Loon except for a yellow bill. In the winter it tends to have more white on the face than the Common Loon. It breeds in the Arctic, Russia, Canada, and Alaska. In the winter it can be found off the coasts of Norway and western Canada. Sometimes they

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-37001512025937292062009-12-11T10:36:00.002-05:002009-12-11T10:52:15.190-05:00

On December 8, the Pickerel Fire and Rescue Squad Cold Water Team put themselves on very thin ice for a Common Loon before a winter storm rolled in. This adult male injured his wing months ago and was unable to migrate with his family. He is thin for his size, 8lbs 3ozs, but is doing well for the situation. He is under a lot of stress and will be transported to the Gulf as soon as possible.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-76948143893898617442009-12-01T11:21:00.003-05:002009-12-01T11:34:38.135-05:00

Interest in birds? Check out the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative for some opportunities to get out and involved. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.Be sure to check out the Christmas Bird Count and look for one near you.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-24903871312578932112009-12-01T11:00:00.002-05:002009-12-01T11:13:38.436-05:00

This past Sunday, January 29, some hunters found a Bald Eagle lying in the woods and immediately went into action. They made a phone call and the eagle was brought into the Raptor Education Group Inc. REGI is a non-profit organization in Antigo, WI, which focuses on educating people, rehabilitating native bird species, and research. The eagle was in very poor condition when she was brought in

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-22795072487947838752009-11-20T16:45:00.002-05:002009-11-20T16:49:03.424-05:00

Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) has introduced a bill (Senate Bill 1269) in the Illinois legislature that would end the sale or distribution of lead sinkers and lead jigs.Steans’ bill would also prohibit the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs in “freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, brooks, and similar bodies of water over which the Department of Natural Resources (“the Department”) has

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-29719498108166512772009-11-17T11:00:00.002-05:002009-11-17T11:07:46.445-05:00

Can you believe 2010 is right around the corner? LoonWatch will be coordinating the 5-year loon population survey for Wisconsin on Saturday, July 17th from 5 AM -- 10 AM. This date and time ensures that most loon chicks have hatched and that few if any loons have time to fly from one lake to another and accidently be recounted. If you are willing to help us in 2010, please register using our

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-55533048837819508532009-10-30T09:42:00.002-05:002009-10-30T09:48:57.671-05:00

The battle against the spread of aquatic invasive species officially has a new tool! SB 123 was signed by the Governor yesterday, October 28. This bill addresses a number of invasive species-related topics. Most importantly, it contains the “illegal to transport” language and authorizes non-DNR law enforcement (in addition to DNR law enforcement) to enforce it. Senate Bill 123.Summary of the

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-31844423531805497442009-10-28T10:43:00.003-05:002009-10-28T10:51:05.315-05:00

To fulfill the requirements to achieve the highest rank in Boy Scouts, Eagle, I chose to lead my fellow Troop 2 scouts in a lead fishing tackle exchange event. We convened on a Saturday afternoon at a busy boat landing on Madison’s Lake Monona, just as rain starting clearing off, making for a good fishing afternoon. Using Loonwatch’s trifold display and handouts on the risks of lead fishing

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-83542537933497437912009-10-26T22:48:00.002-05:002009-10-26T23:01:56.292-05:00

Mark your calendars and complete your on-line registration for the 6th annual Conservation Lobby Day. It will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Monona Terrace, Madison. Check-in begins at 9:00 am and meetings will go through 4:30 pm. Wild Game Feed and Social begins at 5:00 pm. Click here to learn more and register.This is the one day each year where conservation voters from all over

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-73245799783443805892009-10-15T11:54:00.002-04:002009-10-15T11:58:49.415-04:00

For over ten years, BioDiversity Research Institute (BRI) hasled the charge to understand the fate and impact of mercury in ourenvironment and in the wildlife that we cherish. Where we live in Maine, mercury pollution is widespread and responsible for many freshwater and coastal fish consumption advisories. We want to know how this mercury is entering the food chain. Beyond our widely published

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-73100724056865294462009-10-14T10:44:00.004-04:002009-10-14T11:11:52.328-04:00

Watch your loons closely. If any seem to be not acting normally, we could have a serious problem. Lead tackle is a major source of fatalities among loons. It weakens the birds which makes them more vulnerable to predators. They can have trouble flying, balancing, eating, nesting, or caring for young. A loon will die within 2-3 weeks of ingesting a piece of lead. It only takes one piece to

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-63692254117072067722009-10-05T10:33:00.007-04:002009-10-05T11:04:26.817-04:00

Photo by Ginger GummBrrrr..It's getting chilly and that means it's time for the Loons to head South. Keep a look out for the changes in the number of Loons. It's going to be hard to tell the adults from the fledglings. It is likely that you will see lots of other birds who are also getting ready to head for warmer weather.Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-16621172099299956432009-09-24T13:23:00.021-04:002009-09-24T13:54:23.717-04:00

I am a high school senior living in a small suburb, Acton, west of Boston. As a Boy Scout, I recently began working on my Eagle Scout Project. After discussing an idea or two with the Natural Resources director of my town, I was given the idea of building loon nesting platforms for Nagog Pond, which lies between Acton and Littleton. This was something that an adult leader in my troop and the

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-87858379661215612862009-09-23T11:45:00.003-04:002009-09-23T11:47:55.400-04:00

Hello everyone!My name is Erin and I am new to Northland College and the Loonwatch Program. I am from Chicago and am very excited to be in Ashland. My plan currently is to major in Natural Resources and minor in Environmental Education and hopefully Outdoor Education as well. I will be posting here so I figured I would introduce myself.Have a good one!Erin

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-79853683782349718382009-09-01T16:22:00.002-04:002009-09-01T16:29:32.282-04:00

This morning I had a visit from a Loon Ranger from north central Wisconsin. As we spoke, I asked if her lake had chicks this year. She reported that the loons abandonded their nest on the Fourth of July when fireworks rippled across the evening sky. Eggs sat dormant in the nest for the next few weeks until something found them.Every year we hear of loons who are disturbed by fireworks and leave

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-12711145116504144772009-08-11T11:24:00.002-04:002009-08-11T11:27:22.559-04:00

(Reprinted from Ironwood Daily Globe)MERCER, Wis. -- Loons from all over came off the lake Wednesday and made their way to Mercer for its 29th annual Loon Day.The biggest day of the year for Wisconsin's self-designated Loon Capital met its job requirements, drawing thousands to Mercer's downtown. Locals, their from-out-of-town relatives and art vendors from around the Midwest flocked to peruse

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-87913729418749191862009-08-11T11:12:00.003-04:002009-08-11T11:21:23.540-04:00

On Thursday, August 13th, the Senate Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing about SB 133- the bill to Restore the Independent DNR Secretary.In 1995, the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources became a political appointee of the Governor. Concerns have surfaced. Should the WDNR Secretary be a political appointment or should they have experience in the field of natural resources

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-444505151599496932009-07-30T14:34:00.005-04:002009-07-30T14:39:17.383-04:00

Andrew East and Josh Smith, both seniors at Northland College in Ashland, Wisc. majoring in natural resources, are working as Sigurd Olson Loon Research Fellows in the Trout Lake watershed during the summer of 2009. These fellowship positions serve a multi-agency research project, combining the goals of the Wisconsin DNR, USGS, the LoonWatch program and a Wisconsin Focus on Energy Environmental

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-78724180619242038552009-07-16T11:54:00.000-04:002009-07-16T11:55:55.676-04:00

Photographers invited to submit images for Loon Appreciation Week posterASHLAND, Wis. — The LoonWatch program at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute is seeking entries for the 12th annual Loon Appreciation Week poster contest. The contest is open to original photography of any loon species. The winning entry will appear on more than 10,000 posters that will be distributed nationally to

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-83216519373992778582009-07-01T14:55:00.004-04:002009-07-01T15:12:53.716-04:00

Did you know that across North America, ladybug species distribution is changing? Over the past twenty years several native ladybugs that were once very common have become extremely rare. During this same time ladybugs from other places have greatly increased both their numbers and range. A new initiative from Cornell University, called The Lost Ladybug Project, is looking for volunteers across

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-20390791799163921062009-06-30T15:08:00.000-04:002009-06-30T15:09:29.400-04:00

A list of metal recyclers that accept lead tackle is now available on the DNR website.Many loons are killed by lead poisoning each year when they inadvertently swallow lead fishing tackle. Lead poisoning from ingested tackle usually occurs in one of two ways, a lead jig head is swallowed by a fish, or lost lead tackle is picked up along with small stones and grit from the bottom of lakes to help

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-77563825438658460052009-06-29T12:11:00.002-04:002009-06-29T12:14:34.146-04:00

LAKE LEVELS IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN – CONFERENCEIf you are interested in more information about lake levels in Wisconsin, click on the link below for upcoming lake level conference in Minocqua. Additional information, including the conference agenda and registration requirements, can be found on the Wisconsin Association of Lakes website at: http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/events/09july_lowlake.html

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-24439765017154132712009-06-04T14:32:00.003-04:002009-06-04T14:36:21.745-04:00

LoonWatch has just finished putting together their Loon Ranger Press Packet. The packet consists of 3 press releases that loon monitoring volunteers can customize for their area to spread the word about loon monitorign efforts, educate about the dangers of lead tackle, or dissuade loon harrassment.The press releases are available on the LoonWatch website. These articles can be used in newspapers

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-12289445963657514032009-05-26T09:11:00.001-04:002009-05-26T09:12:49.329-04:00

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports about in this article about the low water levels and dry forests that we're seeing in Northern Wisconsin.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-79991833545892066272009-05-20T17:13:00.003-04:002009-05-20T17:36:28.835-04:00

Much is still unknown about loon migration. Through the use of telemetry and color bands we have found that most of the loons in the midwest stage on the great lakes, mainly Lake Michigan, and then migrate down to the Gulf of Mexico. However, there is a small population that goes off the coast of the Carolinas too. The adults migrate first, usually 2-3 months after their chicks hatch so that

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-20256733813694711252009-05-07T20:14:00.009-04:002009-05-07T20:22:32.876-04:00

I am a high school senior living in a small suburb, Acton, west of Boston. As a Boy Scout, I recently began working on my Eagle Scout Project. After discussing an idea or two with the Natural Resources director of my town, I was given the idea of building loon nesting platforms for Nagog Pond, which lies between Acton and Littleton. This was something that an adult leader in my troop and the

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-30870777979062421812009-05-06T18:39:00.006-04:002009-05-06T19:12:58.999-04:00

For hundreds of years Walker Lake has been a fresh water sanctuary for thousands of breeding and migrating birds, including over 1000 loons amid the deserts of Nevada. Within the past 100 years, Nevada's growing population has diverted more and more water from Walker Lake until now it is less than a quarter of its historical size. Not only does this mean that there is less habitat for the birds

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-76448493645075367972009-05-05T17:28:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:30:08.221-04:00

For the past fifteen years the Walker Lake Working Group has sponsored the annual Loon Festival on Walker Lake in Nevada. This year, due to the decline of the lake level and the absence of significant numbers of loons, the Loon Festival has been canceled. In its place the Working Group, and other supportive groups and organizations, will be sponsoring an Education Day at the lake. This will be

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-56800330743224767062009-05-04T19:23:00.001-04:002009-05-04T19:29:50.253-04:00

Every spring, people throughout North America honor one of our most charismatic wild birds during Loon Appreciation Week. Held the first full week in May, this celebration of the Common Loon is marked locally by loon presentations at birding festivals across North America as well as the nationwide distribution of an artistic and educational poster by the LoonWatch program of the Sigurd Olson

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-85109269121520599652009-05-01T16:09:00.002-04:002009-05-01T16:16:23.311-04:00

For the past seven years Larry Backlund has had loons nesting on an artificial nesting platform on his lake. This year he has installed a loon cam so that people all over the world can watch the loons as they nest and hatch their chicks. He also has a blog that he regularly updates to keep people informed of the loons's behavior off the nest. We wish both the loons and him good luck in this years

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-74352668223324160942009-04-30T16:11:00.003-04:002009-05-01T16:06:49.949-04:00

This Saturday, May 2nd, is the beginning of open water fishing season in Wisconsin. This means an increase in tourism that will provide a much needed boost to the economy, people having fun fishing, and the possibility of the spreading of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Fortunately, it is pretty easy to prevent the spread of AIS, even if they are nearly impossible to get rid of once a lake

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-18158841814923637692009-04-07T16:08:00.002-04:002009-04-07T16:20:55.497-04:00

Wisconsin lakes have been unusually low water levels lately. Changing lake levels changes the ecosystem, and thus poses new problems for the area. These problems include water quality and wildlife habitat issues. Smaller, shallower lakes allow sunlight to penetrate deeper. This allows for plants to grow in areas that were formerly too deep for them to live. This changes the entire base of the

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-22052576856525441802009-04-06T16:46:00.002-04:002009-04-06T16:56:20.114-04:00

Mere weeks after the first loon was sighted in the Madison area, an explosion of loons has taken place. Reports have come to LoonWatch of hundreds of loons on the lakes in the Madison area, with over 50 in Monona Bay alone, where loon numbers have remained unseasonably high since the beginning of the migration. And loons were not the only treat in Monona Bay recently. A flock of four white

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-74476247963363360772009-03-23T13:49:00.003-04:002009-03-23T14:11:39.832-04:00

We have our first report of a loon sighting! At 9:30 A.M. on Friday March 20th, dedicated loon watcher Alan Schwoegler saw three loons on Lake Mendota in Madison Wisconsin. This is the earliest he has ever seen loons in all the years that he has been living on the shores of Lake Mendota. Normally he sees them arrive between March 23rd and 27th. Hopefully this means that loon numbers will be up

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-74058536406129030462009-03-18T16:31:00.002-04:002009-03-18T16:34:23.042-04:00

No. But while your volunteers cannot take a tax deduction for the value of their time, be sure to inform them that out-of-pocket, documented expenses may be deductible on their individual tax returns. Volunteers may deduct the direct costs of operating their vehicles or the standard charitable mileage rate of 14 cents per mile as well as some other expenses. Volunteers should consult their tax

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-30100392744903293712009-03-17T14:36:00.004-04:002009-03-17T15:01:07.910-04:00

I am a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Environment and Resources program of the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies. I am also affiliated with the National Institute of Invasive Species Science (NIISS; www.niiss.org), an organization formed to develop cooperative approaches for invasive species science that meet the needs of land managers and the public. As

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-15966255719426012992009-03-17T14:36:00.001-04:002009-03-17T14:36:44.063-04:00

Experience the life of a loon in a new exhibit at the Cable Natural History Museum in Cable, WI. Learn about how loons transition through the seasons of the year in this artistic, hands-on display. With the assistance of Loon Watch the Museum has been able to compliment its new exhibit, Season of the Loon, with several hands-on activities developed by Loon Watch. Migrate to the Museum sometime

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-3150300305991022632009-03-17T14:15:00.002-04:002009-03-17T14:26:12.957-04:00

American Sportfishing Association press release:National Park Service Ban on Lead in National Parks Runs Counter to President’s Executive Memo on Transparency in GovernmentPark Service officials make policy change without industry or public inputAlexandria, VA – March 13, 2009 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), along with a number of fish and wildlife management conservation groups,

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-26468674984638146492009-03-11T16:54:00.002-04:002009-03-11T17:17:10.017-04:00

A new book telling of the tar sand production in Canada will hit the shelves soon, and you can get it even before then for free! The publishers of Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent, by Andrew Nikiforuk, think this is such an important book that they are willing to let you download it for free between March 16th and March 20th to ensure that the message is spread as far and wide

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-85801569200645963112009-03-09T16:52:00.002-04:002009-03-09T17:24:58.698-04:00

Numbers of birds, especially trumpeter swans, treated for lead poisoning at the Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) in Antigo Wisconsin has increased in the past few months. Normally, REGI only gets a few trumpeter swans to rehabilitate every year. Since December they have already gotten a dozen. While most of the swans have been successfully rehabilitated, some have died due to the high

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-9672640383615087692009-02-27T11:49:00.001-05:002009-02-27T12:00:58.886-05:00

Hi everybody,My name is Sam and I am a freshman at Northland College who is working with Stacy on the LoonWatch program. I’m a pre-vet student majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. Since Stacy is so busy now, what with the 2010 5-year loon survey coming up fast and the annual lake monitoring starting in mere months, I’ll be taking over for the easier things in LoonWatch, like updating

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-62081358079424363062009-02-26T15:11:00.002-05:002009-12-04T11:43:50.086-05:00

Tribute to Sigurd T. OlsonSigurd T. Olson, long-time resident of Alaska and renowned wildlife biologist, passed away at the Juneau Pioneers Home on December 21, 2008. He was eighty-five years of age.Olson was a pioneer loon watcher. His 1952 research paper with co-author William H. Marshall, “The Common Loon in Minnesota,” continues to be cited as one of the premier baseline reports on the

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-1920801052518803972008-12-30T12:24:00.002-05:002009-02-27T11:49:13.626-05:00

We wanted to take a moment and wish you all a safe and happy New Years. Thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters, colleagues, and friends who help keep LoonWatch and loon conservation vibrant and progressive.Take care,LoonWatch

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-42783840893868990482008-12-09T11:53:00.003-05:002008-12-09T11:59:37.936-05:00

When it comes to assessing the true levels of impacts of industrial activities on wildlife, including birds, conservation science has a rather poor track record. Yes, we have the occasional estimate of the number of birds killed from an oil spill or at a radio tower or from a disease outbreak or poisoning event.All of these are the easy ones.But what about the hidden impacts from human activities

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-25549347301929078552008-12-04T10:38:00.004-05:002008-12-04T10:41:42.244-05:00

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2008/lead-ammunition-12-03-2008.htmlFor Immediate Release, December 3, 2008Lead-Free: Settlement Protects California Condors From Toxic Heavy Metal Center for Biological Diversity, Natural Resources Defense Council Help Extend Lead-Ammunition Ban to Protect Iconic BirdsLOS ANGELES— A settlement announced today between environmentalists and

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-10442710748160431992008-12-03T15:08:00.003-05:002008-12-03T15:53:44.120-05:00

This morning three loons completed their cross-continental migration from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico. What takes most loons months took these three just two hours—aboard a plane.Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) in Antigo WI was treating the three loons, including the female adult loon from Muskellunge Lake (mentioned below) and two juveniles, for lead poisoning from ingested lead tackle.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-5074034584064365792008-12-01T14:58:00.014-05:002008-12-03T16:26:41.057-05:00

Each year, loons in danger are reported. Some times the loon is able to work its way out of whatever problem it is in--tangled in fishing line, stuck with a lure, or entrapped in other things such as a plastic bag. But if a loon has swallowed lead tackle, there's no way for it to help itself. One lead split shot sinker is lethal, and the loon is helpless as it looses function over its muscles

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-2066740120418688362008-11-18T15:59:00.004-05:002008-11-18T16:09:20.112-05:00

Do you ever woner where the loons are on their migration journey? In 1998 the USGS's did a Common Loon Migration Study. This tracked five loons from lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin on their journey south to the Atlantic Ocean. From this, we know that loons usually stage on the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Michigan, late into the fall before continuing south.On Sunday, November 16th we received

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-16903407490696041742008-11-17T16:54:00.001-05:002008-11-17T16:56:39.960-05:00

LoonWatch is still accepting proposals for its 22nd annual award for research conducted in North America on any loon (Gavia) species. To apply for cash awards up to $3,000, a proposed research project and curriculum vitae must be received by December 5th, 2008. Projects should be for the 2009 calendar year. The winner(s) will be notified by January 30th, 2009. The award is named for biologist

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-3456927957121768242008-09-26T09:29:00.002-04:002008-09-26T09:33:33.276-04:00

One way we track migration is through observation along common migratory paths. The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory keeps a daily blog of all the birds that come through, including common and red throated loons. Check it out!http://wpbowaterbirds.blogspot.com/

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-11537987791697901902008-08-12T11:20:00.000-04:002008-08-12T11:21:04.876-04:00

LoonWatch accepting grant proposalsASHLAND, Wis. –LoonWatch, a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College, is accepting proposals for the 2008 Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award. The award is named for biologist Sigurd T. Olson, whose 1952 paper with co-author William H. Marshall, “The Common Loon in Minnesota,” continues to be cited as one of the premier baseline

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-19336682991628042392008-08-12T11:18:00.001-04:002008-08-12T11:20:09.360-04:00

Photographers invited to submit images for Loon Appreciation Week posterASHLAND, Wis.—The LoonWatch program at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute is seeking entries for the 11th annual Loon Appreciation Week poster contest. The contest is open to original photography of any loon species. The winning entry will appear on more than 10,000 posters that will be distributed nationally to

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-21068332342070114752008-08-05T12:50:00.003-04:002008-08-05T13:03:49.677-04:00

From Loon Ranger Pat SchwaiCochran Lake (Price County) is pleased to announce the arrival our of first-ever loon chick!!! I am ecstatic!Baby hatched sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. today (July 16th). Parent and chick were off floating about 300 yards from the nest. The other parent was still tending the nest as of 3:00 p.m. Initially, lots of wailing back and forth which lessened within

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-46208630753741186612008-07-30T11:43:00.001-04:002008-07-30T11:44:37.091-04:00

Forward Energy Wind Farm & Wildlife:Investigating the Impact ofWind Turbines onMigrating Birds & BatsCITIZEN SCIENTISTS NEEDED!Hourly Pay - $10/HRWhen: July 15 - November 15Responsibilities will include:• Dedicate at least 1 morning per week (Approx. 4 Month Duration)• Visiting and searching turbines located across southern Fond Du Lac and northernDodge Counties (with specific, assigned routes to

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-14990545944835921312008-07-23T11:32:00.003-04:002008-07-23T11:53:13.277-04:00

This message was sent to LoonWatch from Cathy Gagliardi:It is with great sadness to bring you this update, as our nesting pair of Loons have abandoned their 2 eggs. Something must have totally spooked her as she left the nest and never went back.Our neighbors were at our cabin over the 4th (while we were in CO) and told us they saw both Loons out in front of our cabin on Sunday (6th) and then

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-21560143911863226452008-07-23T10:50:00.001-04:002008-07-23T10:50:36.498-04:00

This week Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a landmark commitment to protect 225,000 square kilometers – 55 million acres – of Boreal Forest in the northern area of that province. This move will protect the habitat for as many as 300 million Boreal birds - most of which migrate across the U.S. and are greatly appreciated by millions of Western Hemisphere birders.McGuinty's pledge is

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-30691480279701490162008-01-31T13:59:00.000-05:002008-01-31T14:01:12.467-05:00

ASHLAND, Wis.–The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College is pleased to announce Common Coast Research & Conservation (CCRC) as the recipient of the 2007 Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award for its proposal “Evaluating the scope and scale of common loon mortalities associated with botulism E outbreaks in northern Lake Michigan.” CCRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-38673132018386347912008-01-07T16:36:00.000-05:002008-01-07T16:57:22.103-05:00

Date: 29 Dec 2007National PostThe carcasses of hundreds of dead loons have washed up on the shoresof the Great Lakes in recent months, and necropsies on the birds donot explicitly say what is killing one of the country's nationalsymbols.But the fat, healthy-looking birds have congested organs and half-digested fish in their stomachs, leading biologists to believe the loons succumbed to a

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-4186990903139201452008-01-02T11:29:00.000-05:002008-01-02T11:30:38.392-05:00

If you are interested in bird conservation, please join the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay on March 14-15, 2008, for a conference highlighting exciting new opportunities for birders and wildlife enthusiasts to help monitor and conserve Wisconsin’s birds. Friday will feature a birding field trip along Lake Michigan guided by the Cornell Lab

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-74363554809087255762007-12-20T11:19:00.000-05:002007-12-20T11:35:21.502-05:00

When Marge Gibson of the Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) received two juvenile loons, they were at the point of starvation. The female came weighing only six pounds, while the male was at seven. After depleting the minnow supply in the Antigo area, Gibson had to rely on an emergency delivery of fresh minnows from Green Bay. The loons were eating 1000 grams of minnows every day, trying to get

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-38003939925288547162007-12-13T11:01:00.000-05:002007-12-13T11:04:08.373-05:00

Below is a link to an article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune describing the die-offs during fall migration this year on the Great Lakes:http://www.startribune.com/local/12270456.html

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-43760713184316404312007-12-05T10:19:00.001-05:002007-12-05T10:21:36.150-05:00

Below is an update from Common Coast Research & Conservation about bolulism E deaths along the south shore of Lake Michagen. Check back for more updates as they become available!Dear Birders,In response to the recent appearance of many dead birds along the Lake Michigan shoreline, for the past three weeks our research group has been surveying beaches in both the Upper and northern Lower

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-14278180512045712882007-10-18T15:27:00.000-04:002007-10-18T15:40:01.705-04:00

I've been following with some interest the story of Judd Hanna's resignation from the Californial Wildlife Commission. Its no secret that Hanna supported a ban on lead shot in California condor habitat. Gov. Arnold pulled a terminator trick and asked Hanna to resign when pressured by lobbyists. If you need a reminder, check out the LA Times article.Today the tables changed. Honestly, I didn't

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-49333040677123528452007-10-12T12:09:00.000-04:002007-10-12T12:12:10.535-04:00

This story of a high school teacher in the Drummond area is a great example of how citizens are working to help wildlife, and also a reminder of how dangerous monofilament is to loons.Enjoy!

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-75124902798387102972007-09-28T14:56:00.000-04:002007-09-28T14:58:45.625-04:00

This link is for an amazing story about the migration of a Bar-tailed Godwit. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1774Enjoy!

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-14987030035253189812007-09-10T14:55:00.000-04:002007-09-10T14:56:10.793-04:00

Below is the Request for Proposals for the 2008 Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award. The award amount will again be $2000 and proposals must be received by December 3, 2007. Please help us spread the word that monies are available for original loon research projects in north America by posting this RFP in your newsletter, website, or through affiliate web postings.If you have questions about

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-77614331642079512932007-07-19T15:53:00.000-04:002007-07-19T15:54:12.346-04:00

My name is John French, and I am the Loon Watch summer intern. I will be collecting lead this summer through our ?Get the Lead Out?initiative. I have been fascinated by nature my entire life, and I grew up in Wisconsin so I have been fishing and talking to the loons ever since I could walk. I am from Fond du Lac Wisconsin, home of Lake Winnebago. Growing up on this lake was a true opportunity to

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-7690328758237459982007-06-19T14:34:00.001-04:002007-06-19T14:34:51.402-04:00

MADISON – Wildlife officials working to assure healthy wildlife in Wisconsin are asking people to report unusual die-offs of wild birds, especially waterfowl and other water birds, to aid in wildlife disease surveillance. Die-offs of birds should be reported to the statewide Dead Bird Hotline 1-(800)-433-1610.Death of a number of birds in one area is a strong indicator that disease may be present

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-61461856748843293002007-06-18T17:17:00.000-04:002007-06-18T17:20:39.194-04:00

What’s in Your Tackle Box? You can Get the Lead Out! at select locations in northern Wisconsin throughout the summer. Anglers will now have the opportunity to drop off their old lead tackle and jigs at 20 recognized Wisconsin Clean Sweep locations. These lead tackle drop off opportunities are made possible through a partnership of Wisconsin Clean Sweep and the LoonWatch Program at Northland

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-75234088473182670682007-05-15T10:13:00.000-04:002007-05-15T10:19:07.760-04:00

This year I know of two loon camera projects to film the incubation and hatching of loon eggs. One is through the Conserve School and is done as a class project, and the other is being coordinated by Larry Backland. Larry's website features the camera, which anyone can view.Incubation usually takes 26-31 days. You may see the loon rotating the eggs, the male and female switching from feeding

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-10983518597367250102007-04-23T11:21:00.000-04:002007-04-23T11:36:51.021-04:00

For those of you who follow the current legislative efforts to ban lead shot and tackle, a small but notable recommendation was passed at the Conservation Congress hearings last week to require the use of non-toxic shot for dove hunting. Lead shot is prohibited for waterfowl hunting, but it is still legal in other hunting situations on Wisconsin’s state managed properties. Dove hunting and

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-63702299338598375542007-04-16T11:30:00.000-04:002007-04-16T11:42:07.874-04:00

Loon Rangers across the state are sending in phenology updates. If you would like me to post your updates, simply email loonwatch@northland.edu.From: Pat SchwaiWanted to update you on spring ice out and loon arrival for Cochran Lake, Price County.1st ice out:3/31/071 loon arrived 4/2/07 (mailed postcard to you at this point)lake fully iced over 4/8/072nd ice out was 4/12/071 loon arrived 4/16/07

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-25552912089405051582007-04-11T15:59:00.000-04:002007-04-11T16:16:18.137-04:00

I see migration as a natural way for us animals to revolve around a changing environment in a way that suits our needs. Sigurd Olson writes often of a timeless and ancestral connection that one can obtain by spending time in wild places. Perhaps the urge to travel in spring is linked to the transitions of our ancestors, when nomadic living was essential to survival. For me, its an urge to travel

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-8377370403078349572007-04-02T09:48:00.000-04:002007-04-02T10:01:09.446-04:00

Snow is in the forecast for northern Wisconsin, but spring is already evident in the budding aspen trees, in the slowing of the sap run, and ice out on many lakes and rivers. Peg Wiggins wrote in this morning that loons landed in Polk county over the weekend on Ward Lake. Journey North, a global migratory education website, has a map of the loon sightings recorded so far. The public is invited

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-30271655300324383142007-03-23T12:40:00.000-04:002007-03-23T12:43:43.995-04:00

Marge Gibson, one of the newest members of the LoonWatch Council, just sent me this great article about the a successful rehabilitation of a swan at Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI).Enjoy and happy first week of spring!

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-25393394656873083382007-03-16T13:39:00.001-04:002007-03-16T13:43:02.219-04:00

We’ve all heard of the age old conundrum: why did the chicken cross the road? Last summer Loon Rangers Ron and Karen Schoephoester had to ask why and how did the loon chicks that they were monitoring cross the road between Bobidosh Lake and White Sand Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin. For the second year in a row, they reported that loon chicks have migrated over land from one lake to another

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-46370042702348252962007-03-09T13:44:00.000-05:002007-03-09T15:28:46.125-05:00

As LoonWatch moves into the 2007 spring and summer season, more and more requests for Get the Lead Out information and displays are arriving daily. As I'm swamped in the logistics of making this happen, I came across Wednesday's article in the Duluth News Tribune describing efforts by Duluth Senator Yvonne Prettner-Solon to pass a bill banning the sale of small lead fishing weights and jigs in

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-66716792712081743922007-02-14T15:52:00.000-05:002007-02-14T17:06:54.116-05:00

Many have confessed to me honestly that they've never blogged before. I, too, am new at this. Blogebrity, blogosphere, blogroll--I couldn't keep up with all those new nouns! So while I prefer the term escribitionist, I've come to terms with being a 'blogger' and I hope this site opens up a new window for all you to interact with online journaling. If you have any questions about getting started

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4900546717584440945.post-63426875541241777122007-02-05T12:48:00.000-05:002007-02-07T17:24:06.521-05:00

Dear Readers,This blog is intended to be a depot for the latest news, articles, and commentary that relates to the world of loons and their associated habitats, but also other issues of global signifigance that I'd like to draw awareness to.My goal is that this can be a toolbox for educators, researchers, and everyone inbetween who would like to create a more informed citizenry of the north.

LoonWatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783409556262874777noreply@blogger.com0